within a mile of home [yanoro]

8/9/2019 Within a Mile of HOME [Yanoro]

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within a mile of HOME

[yanoro]

Rilowe AnavariOpaque V i l l age r

29 Apr 2010, 4:48am

Show me the way to go home, Im tired and I want to goto bed. Rilowes voice wasnt acoustically perfect, no, hednever sing for royalty or in front of any particularly somber

gathering, but it wasnt ear-bleedingly bad. It was that kind ofvoice that was well tuned in barrooms and among raucousfriends who cared less about pitch and more about rememberingthe words (and not spilling their beer while they found someoneto sling their arms around). I had a little drink about anhour ago, and it went right to my head. He wasnt singingparticularly loudly; really, he was just singing for the benefit ofthe fox-kit perched on his shoulder, listening to him with anintent ear, watching him with the same intensity usuallyreserved for lecturers of high regard and credential.

It made Rilowe feel kind of special. He liked having someonewho actually wantedto hear him talk, as opposed to someonewho found themselves coaxed into wanting to hear him go onand on.

Wherever I may roam, in land or sea or foam, he kepttime with a melody he couldnt tap out for the kits benefit, hishands occupied by a heavy wooden crate with the word FRAGILEemblazoned on the sides in multiple languages, both with lettersand in apparent pictorial cipher. Youll always hear mesinging this song, show me the way to go home, hefinished, swallowing the last syllable and letting it reverberate alittle as he picked his way up Needle Street, squinting down atthe little piece of paper that was taped to the top of the box,directing him as to where this particular shipment was supposedto go. The couple that owned the trinket ship (called Bits and

Bobs, oddly enough) were kindly people who rivaled Rilowe intheir taste for the eclectic, stocking everything from glassfigurines to storybooks to carved wooden recipe note cards (andof course, there were the varieties of these things that weresaturated in glitter, but R ilowe tended to avoid those. The glittertook forever to get off.) Hows that, then?

Ivaylo seemed to consider, giving his bonded a sidelong lookbefore he finally spoke. It is an interesting song, but he doesnot understand what it has to do with what he asked. The kithad been spending an increasing amount of time pouring overall the scraps of stories that he could, looking for written wordthat spoke to his area of interest, all those fleeting momentswhere life only mattered between one heartbreak and the nextshot, the next stranger to sashay up with the liquor on theirbreath and a promise for tonight, only tonight in their eyes hewanted to knowabout the mistakes that never quite slipped into
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the past because every new generation dusted them off andreplayed them anew, rediscovering all the troubles of theirforefathers and claiming them for their own. So, he had turnedto his bonded, trying to pick underneath the mans words, tryingto find the life in his pretty traces of speech, but apparentlyRilowe was determined to elude the point.

Or was he? Rilowe gave the kit a fond little smile, giving a softhum. People get lost all the time, yeah? The kit nodded,nudging the man to keep him from slamming into a chatteringpair of raccoon-like housewives with his precious cargo. Riloweslid to the side as he continued, looking around, beginning torecognize some of the shop names the owners husband hadwritten down as places to watch out for. We all lose our wayat some point, I think, and try to make the ache ofwalking the wrong road go away in some form or

another--but sooner or later, all we want is to find theway home, and to have the people we care for most reach

out a hand and tug us along. He paused, using his knee tobalance the box as he checked the directions, wondering whythis part of the street felt so familiar Ill wander forever,

but eventually something will find me back to where Ibelong, I figured. At least, I guess thats what it means.The drunks back home liked to sing it when it was just

about closing time.

The kit fell silent, mulling over the mans words as Rilowe edgedup towards a familiar shop front, squinting at the sign above thedoor. House of Red Sand? Well, that was where this box wasdestined for, so clearly, he had been a good boy in hiswanderings, but the wriggling feeling of dj vu just wouldnt goaway. Where had he been here before? He moved up the stairscarefully, clearing his throat as he gently worked his way intothe open door, minding his box (and his back). Hello?

Delivery from Bits and Bobs for Mr. Nicolae?

Updated by Rilowe Anavari on 29 Apr 2010, 4:48am

Yanoro NicolaeOpaque V i l l age r

29 Apr 2010, 11:04pm

Yanoro was overwhelmed. The witch had been huffing andpuffing all over town, bending over backwards to please his elitebuyers, sometime successful, others not so much. It had been along day, and this, along with the gardening he had done beforehe even began to play the game of shop keeper just left himexhausted. The man was hoping for a quiet afternoon with aglass of wine, a book and his shinies but of course, thingshardly ever turned out the way Yanoro wanted. It was too thepoint that the foreigner believed himself to be marked. Therewould be further stress today. From far off he saw that one ofhis windows was completely ajar and had heard the shrill soundof barking from inside. Before he had come to the doorway, hewas expecting some stocking adorned burglar procuring his

Shuv'ani kit and the greater part of his inventory. Instead, whenhe swung open the doo r, he found a lanky gray gryphonstanding in the middle of his living room, with a feather duster
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and a very large beaky smile.

Fawtziyya was settled on the couch, now quiet but watchingover all of this intruders moves for funny business. Yanorolooked down at her inquisitively but his little Queen was moredetermined about playing watch dog than trying to answer anyquestions. Fawtzi had let the intruder have it, when the gryphon

had first come in th rough the side window, circling her andchallenging the gryphon's presence with bright and cool words.However, when this newcomer gave her reasoning, assuring shemeant no harm and....crying...Fawtziyya resigned to the couchand make sure this creature did not pull any funny business.Still, Yanoro was at a loss that there was such a creature,poised in the middle of his home doing his tidying.

Wad....arr hyou doing? He asked, his eyes full of fire andbrimstone. The man HATED the fact that just anyone could comeinto his home and was embarrassed that he had done somethingso stupid as to leave his window open. Though his fists wereclenched and his tongue was ready for anger, this large bird-lionwas not phased After all, she was doing nothing wrong. The

critter turned away from one of the glass cases and folded herclaws in front of her. This gryphon had dignity.

Oh, I was just flying by and I caught a glimpse through thewindow of your store room. My mind just began stirring with

ideas and I just could not leave your product in such array.She said very quickly, folding her wings behind her. I attendedto your dishes as well and to your water closet. You are quitethe bachelor, are you not?She laughed, a very loud haughtylaugh. The little silver kit then met Yanoro's gaze, not pleased.This new lady seemed to be making all the decisions butFawtziyya was the Queen of this castle, thank you very much.

hYou cannod jus come in chere an douch my dings. Datiss nod how dings work! He folded his arms over himself,gesturing would with two large and open hands. I don evenled people I kno indo my chouse.

Fawtziyya chimed in after a moment, talking through herclenched teeth. We told her thus, but the gray bird would notlisten to the Kestra's law. We are very displeased.She shookher head and bounded off the cushion and behind her bonded,hoping that he would not be cross with her about not being ableto drive this creature out. Oh, the orange eyed Tzingane wantedto nip at the gryphon's paws, but it was difficult to do when shewas crying.

A frown drew to the creatures face and her entire body,shoulders tail, wings and head, slumped into sadness. Her voicequivered.I did not do a good job? All I wanted to do washelp.She began to sniff at little, reaching above the potioncase towards a cermanic tissue box. She dabbed either side o fher face where the tears were welling.I just thought this placeneeded a woman's touch. You are not married, are you?

Yanoro grumbled, seeing this woman dissolve into tears.Fawtziyya rolled her eye, turning her head away. How annoying!She was surprised that her bond stepped forward and touchedher wing. No...no. Hyou did a very good job. He said, halfmeaning it. Oh, Yanoro felt like he was back home, victim to themoods of his mother and three sisters. Conversely, thisnewcomer seemed to be far more flamboyant, but probablyequally manipulative. Fawtzi fixed her gaze onto the gryphon,sending out rays of determination. She would regain her power


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in this situation. She was driven. The Kestra has a feminineinfluence. We are the feminine influence.The kit spoke, hervoice as smooth as finely spun silk. Unlike her bonded, shecould control her moods.

The creature ignored the small sienna eyed bit off fluff behindYanoro, a smile drawing up again up into her cheeks. Well, you

are very kind. I know that I might have seemed a little overexcited about it. I probably should have waited until you gothome.The man looked to her, a little puzzled. Holy mood swingbatman! Without letting him think very long, she carried on,using his befuddlement to her advantage. Still, now that I haveseen you, I am filled with even more ideas. I know you are allabout the exotic by the way that you are keeping everything,

but nothing says you mean business like a suit, right?

Now the shop owner was even more confused. What was thisabout suits? What did that have to do with anything? Thegryphon had still broken into his house and touched his thingswithout asking. Fawtziyya hissed lowly from behind her bonded.

The Kestra is fine as is. You must not change him!

Her bonded was about to turn to try to calm his fox Queen downbut suddenly a delivery man crossed into the shop. The witchcould not say he was not elated to have such a distraction.Yanoro crossed over to him to sign for the delivery when hesuddenly recognized the delivery boy. A sudden pressuredeveloped in his temples. 'I don't need this! I don't need this! IDON'T NEED THIS'His mind repeated over and over as heexhaled, trying to calm himself down. Fawtziyya kept her eyeson the gryphon for a moment before inspecting the thief and hiskit. She turned to join her bonded at the door, turning to glareat the gryphon before moving. A light and happy tone emittedfrom the Shuv'ani. Brother! Have you been well? You have

caught us at an odd moment, but you are a sight for our soreeyes!She gave off a bell-like laugh, her tail wagging. Shelooked up to her bonded, to share her happiness. He shot a fakesmile down to her, frustrated that he would have to feign civilitywith the other kit's bonded to appease her.

A loud boisterous caw came from behind the two of them.Welcome to the House of Red Sand and our happy home. Thegryphon opened her arms and extended her wings. She had aflair for the dramatic.

Yanoro turned to her, and cocked a brow. Our home? Hequestioned, turning back to her.

She smirked, crossing to his side. Of course our home! Youneed my help and I am going to give you as much of it as I

can....She reached out to him with her mind and there was asteady click which sealed their minds together. A pair of greeneyes widened. ...Yanoro. I am Marlenai and we belong to eachother now!

Updated by Yanoro Nicolaeon 29 Apr 2010, 11:10pm


30 Apr 2010, 10:48pm
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Rilowe frowned a little when no one came forward to take thedelivery off his hands, leaving him standing quite awkwardly inthe doorway. His arms were beginning to ache from being in thesame position while hefting something heavy, and he had betterthings to be doing than waiting for the shop hand to deign to

come out of the back room (or whatever was at play here). Hethought he heard voices, so he started to clear his throat andlift his voice again, when the tap of footsteps crossed the floortowards him. Finally, he would be able to get in, get out, and--

Oh, no .

He gave a blank stare at the unfortunately familiar face,wondering if he valued his little part time job all that much,anyway, as he tightened his grip on the box, forcing a smile fullof fake cheer. Afternoon, he greeted, holding up the box toassure the jerkass that yes, he was here on business, and hewould kindly appreciate the man not spitting at him again. That

had been particularly gross, but probably in character with therest of the mans unpleasant demeanor. Where do you wantthem set down? He paid no mind to the griffin calling agreeting to him, keeping his eyes on the other man, not trustinghim as far as he could throw him with the box in hand.

Ivaylo, however, was nowhere near as displeased as his Bonded,perking up at the sight of a familiar kit, tail twitching as shespoke. It didnt escape Rilowes attention at how the normallymorose, quiet kit was visibly pleased to be addressed, giving ahappy little yip of his own. He has been well, sister, and ishappy to see you too. The kit was actually restless on Rilowesshoulder, pacing and wiggling a little, beginning to jump downfrom his Bondeds shoulder so that he could approach his

queenly sister, bouncing off the box and landing neatly (despiteRilowes quiet protests, soft 'no, don't's gone unheeded in thekit's excitement).

Dont get too caught up, kit, we cant stay long, hemurmured, avoiding meeting the kits eye when he turnedaround slightly, giving Rilowe a puzzled look. But why? You saidthat you were done after this delivery. Rilowe kept his faceimpassive, trying not to betray his wince at being caught out.He didnt like lying to Ivaylo, but he had a sneaking suspicionhe wouldnt be welcomed in the shop for much longer.

Somethings come up, kit.

Ivaylo frowned. But The disappointment was evident in hisvoice.

Somethings come up. Where do you want these put, sir?He focused on Yanoro, his voice uncharacteristically firm anddispassionate.

Updated by Rilowe Anavari on 30 Apr 2010, 10:50pm

Yanoro Nicolae

Opaque V i l l age r

1 May 2010, 4:03am
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Fawtziyya, upon hearing that she would now share her bondedwith this pushy bird let out a very undignified snort. Thismeddling creature was going to stick around and become apartof Yanoro's support system? This did not bode well. TheShuv'ani knew that though others would disagree that herbonded was a gentle soul that did not realize how much he had

to offer. This gryphon seemed to think that there was so muchthat needed to be changed in Yanoro's life, which she did notappreciate. Fawtziyya knew he needed some encouragement tobe strong, open and happy. This new shiny, even if she hadgood intentions would do nothing but try to improve her dearKestra. She would have to work even harder to help him becomfortable with himself. She directed a death glare to this newfeathered friend, a sign that she would challenge her every stepof the way. Marlenai, huffed, drawing a claw up to her chest in'well, I never' position.

It seemed as if Mr. Nicolae had the same idea of what this newaddition would bring. What Marlenai said was true though. Theywere joined. There was no means of rejecting it. The gryphon

was here to stay. His hands peeled up to his face, and he buriedhis face in his hands for a moment. Marlenai peeked her headover his shoulder to try to get a gander at her face. A pout drewacross her peak. You are unhappy with me?She inquired,sighing. Yanoro turned towards her waving his hands up at her.

No no! He exclaimed, frantically. He then turned back awayfrom her swiping an invisible barrier between them. I jus donchave dime for dis righd now! Marlenai's beak dropped. Hernew bonded was definitely not pleased. There was not to be anyheartfelt recognition of love. It served her right for being soeager. Still, the gryphon gave off a look of determination. Oneday he would appreciate her, and she would do everything in herpower to make him happy. That was her challenge.

Yanoro was determined to separate himself from this stressfulsituation, jumping to the lesser of two evils, which happened tobe the delivery boy. Even if the witch thought Rilowe was adisgusting ball of trouble, Rilowe would leave of his own accord.He was stuck with Marlenai now, and all the drama that wouldcome in with her. Yanoro could smell it from a mile away.However, this did not mean that the man would be happy to talkto the thief. The proprietor scowled at this fake enthusiasm.There was nothing he hated more than seeing someone seethingwith hatred towards him but trying to pretend that there wasnothing wrong. Well, he did hate other things more, but thiswas a pet peeve that was pretty high on the list of things thatmade his skin crawl. Two arms crossed over the witch's chest.

He was closing himself off. He wanted to be alone right now. Hedid not want to be caught in the middle of so many egos. Itlightened him that the man wanted to keep this all professional.If Rilowe could just drop his package somewhere, give him aclipboard to sign and leave that would be amazing. Of course,that was not going to be possible.

The desert man was about to lift his hand and gesture wherethe box should be laid, when his dear Fawtziyya began tobrighten up. Damn! Fawtziyya's brother was bonded to thisfellow? Oh, hells! Now he would have to interact with thislowlife idiot, and with his own fake cheerful smile also. He didnot want to upset his dear sweet Shuv'ani, whom he spoiled likeshe was his own daughter. ...hYou bod gan stay for dea. Hesaid, the words falling from his mouth with out muchenthusiasm. The kits needed some time to catch up and hewould even bare someone as intolerable as the pickpocket to


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bring a smile to a pair of canine faces. He was quite the suckerfor Tzingani. My, what a fine idea. We would be honored tohave you and your bonded stay a little while, brother!TheShuv'ani murmured, the gentle ring of it returning. She wouldadore to have Ivaylo with her for a little while. It would distracther from the impending stress that loomed over the horizon.

Rilowe on the other hand would not play ball. How cruel couldsomeone be to try to keep their dependent way from theirsibling. It stung the bonded somewhere deep, as he wasseparated always from the whole of his family. No matter howmuch he disliked anyone, he would never make that a boundaryto hold back someone for which he had infinate love. Do nodbe selfish, thief. The witch muttered, reminding the deliveryboy that he still had information to hold over his head. Iyamsure dat whadever hyou chave iss nod more impordend

den family.

Fawtziyya eyed this strange man, a wave running through hersilvery tale. Those orange eyes searched him. Wondering forwhat reason he would not let her brother stay. Surely it could

not be because of her bonded. If it was, this man was to bepitied as he was blind to the true nature of Yanoro Nicolae. Shewas truly lucky to know him personally. She rose up onto herhind-legs and balanced herself against Rilowe's knee. Weimplore you. Please do not keep our brother from us. We have

not seen him in so long, and we miss him terribly.Her voicewas a sheet of cool steel. She would not beg, but she was ableto make a request with all due respect.

Marlenai was not to be ignored for too long. She still had thetask of gaining Yanoro's trust and love and would get started onthat project presently. How about I put that pot of tea on foryou all? I could even pop out and get some scones if you would

like?She chirped, her tone filled with status and formality.Yanoro looked to her once more. This gryphon was a bit of ariddle, wasn't she. Let's hope that the solution would not resultin future suffering.

Updated by Yanoro Nicolaeon 1 May 2010, 4:03am


2 May 2010, 12:06am

We would be happy to stay-- But Rilowe was not going to getstuck in this jerks house/place of business if it was the lastthing he did. Upon the offer of tea, he gave a forced little laughand an obnoxiously fake smile of regret. His sheepish laugh cutthe kit off, returning that puzzled, young look to Ivaylos face ashis Bonded behaved uncharacteristically, strangely closed-offand brusque. Im allergic to tea, sorry, and we really mustbe going. Where do you want your boxes? Ivaylo frowned.His Bonded had tea at the Inn all the time, why was he lying?But just yesterday you-- Leave it, Ivaylo, he said quietly,

staring at Yanoro (but not really seeing him, eyes carefullyunfocused and looking just past his ear.)


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Rilowe bristled a little at being called a thief, focusing on Yanorothen, sneering at him once more. My names not thief, Mr.Nicolae, now if you would be so kind as to sign this forme, he said, his tone clipped as he sat down the box at thedoorway (the ass could move it himself) and produced acarbonated-paper bill of sale and a pen, holding them out toYanoro. Just sign the line at the bottom indicating you

received your shipment and Ill be on my merry way, neerto darken your doorway as long as I can avoid it, he said,still smiling in a way that didnt quite reach the hard look in hiseyes.

Maybe he was blind as to Yanoros true personage, but it wasntlike the other man had done much in the way of demonstratingexactly what kind of person he was, other than a bully and agenerally unpleasant person. Ivaylo did his best to hide hisdistress at the situation, not wanting to upset his sister further(or make her fight particularly hard if Rilowe would not bemoved). Rilowe let his gaze dart down to the kit on his knee,and he did his best to keep his face impartial. Im sorry, kit,but we dont have the time right now. Maybe some other

time, he said, looking away from her, feeling particularly vilefor having lied to what was essentially a child, and the sister ofthe child in his care.

He gritted his teeth a little as a creature he hadnt seen beforetried to ease the situation in everyones favor but Rilowes.

Last time Ill say it. Sorry, cant, have your people callmy people and well work something out, he finishedlamely, staring at Yanoro now, since the non-humanoids weredoing the best they could to make him feel like a lowlife. Couldhe really be faulted for not wanting to be around Yanoro? Theirfirst meeting hadnt exactly ended well, and the man had beenominous about his declarations of black marks, fairly free with

his use of the word pathetic and coward, and just overallsomeone Rilowe figured wouldnt want him around anyway. Whywas the man back-tracking now all of a sudden? His eyes wereaccusatory and unsure, conveying this train of thought withoutwords.

Yanoro NicolaeOpaque V i l l age r

2 May 2010, 12:58am

Seeing the way that Rilowe was treating his bond began to givehim a headache. How could anyone treat someone as small andpolite with such insensitivity. He shook his head, pulling a handthrough his dark hair. Damn, this guy did not like him. Yanorocould not blame him, obviously, but he hated him enough totorture his little Svata? The hatred must have run deep. Whenthe other man began to chatter on about being allergic to tea.Hardly anyone was allergic to tea. He sighed. I chave oderdings here in my person, bud Iyam preddy sure hyou are

allergic do me. Id's bedder iff hyou're jus honesd aboutid. He spoke, steadiness in his low, dark voice.

Fawtziyya gazed up with those large orange saucers of hers, in

expectation of a response. The one she got hit her heart andcaused her to lower her ears as well. She took a glance up ather dejected brother and pitied him. She never would not wish
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this treatment on a bitter enemy, let alone one of her favoritesiblings. The Shuv'ani dropped all of her feet to the floor. Weare not stupid.She began, the ring in her melodic silky voicedissolving away. Maybe next time means never.She thendropped onto her bottom, then to laying and dropped her headto the floor. Her little heart was broken. Yanoro watched all this,and his heart broke to, a small pout coming to his full lips.

When Rilowe dived right back into business, Yanoro did notfollow him. He just could not get past the way the other manwas treating that kind little Svata. Still, he took the sheets ofcarbon paper from the other man and handing them to theGryphon behind him. Sed dese don on my desk, would hyoudear? If that bird wanted to work for him, she definitely wasgoing to be put to use. Marlenai grabbed for them with herclaws, her smile broadening and headed for the other room.Marlenai knew just where to go, because she took a house tourbefore going to work. When she was gone the man eyed thedelivery boy with disdain. Iyam nod going do sign unlesshyou sid down. I know dat we chave nod med under de

besd circumstances bud why does your...Ivaylo chave do

suffer for id or my Fawtziyya? Dey are innocends... Thewitch spoke, leaning over to hoist his silver kit into his arms.She buried her head into his broad shoulder.

This entire situation was such a mess. If he knew that theywould be here and now, having this stupid argument, Yanorowould have never decided to pick on that happy little thief or atleast would not have run after him as soon as he ran into thenight. Yanoro's heart sunk. He always seemed to be screwingthings up for those important to him, and his number one Shinyhappened to be the one that was suffering at this moment. Heshrugged his shoulders, mustering the kindest and gentlest lookto his face. Led us be de adulds. Gan we? He inquired

holding his fuzzy surrogate daughter to him. He could not bearto see her sad. It killed him.

Updated by Yanoro Nicolaeon 2 May 2010, 1:00am


2 May 2010, 10:14pm

Well, if were being honest, its not your person Imallergic to, flesh is just flesh. Your personality,however He trailed off, letting the words stand forthemselves, folding his arms over his chest. Ivaylo waswatching his Bonded intently, a blank expression carefullysettled on his face. He had no idea the human had this sort ofside to him, nor what might have spurred it on to come out soviciously His ears twitched as he considered the look on hisBondeds face, something cold and guarded that he hadn t seenbefore (and wasnt fond of the idea of seeing again).

Rilowe sighed as the little Queen took up well, being a queen,

and a rather dramatic one at that. She seemed to completelycrumple under Rilowes maybe, and not for the first timetonight, Rilowe felt like an absolute and utter prick. Yanoro took


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Yanoro blew from out his lips another puff of hot a ir. Rilowe justwas aching to pick at him using any means possible. hYou willbe chappy do kno dat mosd would agree wid hyou, dear

sir. He spoke, the sound of his words sounding a hallow ring,as if their content had no effect on him, though they could beconsidered pathetic. He merely shrugged at this coldness. If

Rilowe wanted to have a hissyfit in the middle of his shop, thatwas perfectly alright and probably the natural response to hisbehavior. However, he was going to do what he wanted to do,despite and in this case was urge him to stay and make both oftheir Tzingani happy.

A smirk crossed over Yanoro's face as Rilowe requested hispapers back. Oh, really? That was just too bad! The delivery boycould not accomplish his task now. Wah! The dark man shookhis head. I dold hyou, I will sign dem when hyoucooperade. Whenever gained any sort of control, a rush ofglee bounded through his veins. He found then he had the upperhand and for an instant, forgetting the distress of the others inthe room he filled up with mirth. Still, that excitement faded as

suddenly as it came when Rilowe tried to tell him he was actingout of character. Like Rilowe knew him in the least. He frowned,his brows furrowing. Dat may be drue, bud I surely do likeFawtziyya chere a dousand dimes more dan I dislike hyou.Don hyou like hyour kit more den hyou chate me?The man would have gladly switched to another name forRilowe, if he had provided it, but what should he call him now?Yanoro always thought up here that 'sir' was meant respectfully.He did not know that when using it in anger it flipped the entiremeaning on its head into mockery. Still, a name would havebeen nice to put into use. When the other man's attention wasbrought to the distress in his own Bonded, Yanoro was glad.Rilowe should have had an ear to hear him. It was a sad day

when a dear creature's grievances were not only ignored butdenied. See...look ad chow unchappy che iss! Sday a liddlewhile, won hyou?

Yanoro rolled his eyes when the other man said he was beingcondescending, perhaps he was the witch took it as an invitationto get into verbal fisticuffs. Mr. Nicolae refused to be draggeddown into this fight, not in front of Fawtziyya. The little orangeeyed cutie was a good influence on him and as her bonded andguardian he wanted to set a good example for her. There wouldnot be any childish quarrels today i n front of her. She was like afree pass, hooray! The other man turned heel to go though,causing the foreigner to raise up his arm towards him.

Pleass...dis iss derrible! He urged, his eyebrows drawing

nearer and up.

It seemed that nothing Yanoro Nicolae said would ever be ableto move Rilowe. The only one that could convince him was hiskit, whom let do so, watching him work his own sort of Magic.Finally the thief consented with reason and made it clear thatIvaylo could stay a while. Fawtziyya's ears perked up and shebegan to wag her floofy tail. Yanoro set her down and theShuv'ani turned towards her approaching brother, leaping at himand curling up against him. We are elated,dear brother! Come!Let us here your new stories!She giggled and launched ontoone of the pillows on the floor.

Marlenai arrived back, smiling to see that this squabble of sortswas resolved, with the House of Red Sand as the victor. Mr.Nicolae, is this man truly allergic to tea or the prospect of tea,because I can very easily whip up a pot of it.Yanoro threw a


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look over to the delivery boy that had now made his home basethe pourch. ...Pud on de dea, dear. I dink che will needid.

within a mile of home [yanoro]

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